Esteban Ocon will drive for Renault from the Abu Dhabi tests
Mercedes has decided to release the young Frenchman before the end of his contract so that he can participate in the post-season tests with his future team Renault F1 Team at the Yas Marina circuit.
Currently a reserve and development driver with the Mercedes team, Esteban Ocon will be able to drive for Renault sooner than expected. Indeed, the star brand will release its driver from all commitments at the end of the season.
The young Norman will be able to join his new team from Monday, December 2, the day after the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi.
The post-season tests will take place on the Tuesday and Wednesday following the race for Pirelli tire testing. Renault stated in a press release that Esteban Ocon will be driving the RS19 on both test days to familiarize himself with his new team. He will participate in important tests that will allow him to prepare for the 2020 season.
Esteban Ocon is not unknown at Renault. Indeed, he started his career as a member of the Gravity young driver program, formerly linked to the Lotus team.
During Renault’s acquisition of the Lotus team and the end of the Gravity program, the young Frenchman found refuge with Mercedes in 2015. With no available seat, the German team placed him as a Renault test driver in 2016. In August 2016, he replaced Rio Haryanto at Manor and completed the Formula 1 season.
After that, he competed for two seasons with Force India before losing his place to Lance Stroll, the son of the team’s new owner.
Hired by the brand with the diamond logo to be Daniel Ricciardo’s teammate next season, Esteban Ocon has a two-year contract with an additional optional year. He will be an official Renault driver and will, therefore, no longer be associated with Mercedes.
